Cognitive dissonance bombing
DESCRIPTION:
A new term in psychology: How cognitive dissonance bombing leads to abuse. Recognising and overcoming manipulation.
Cognitive dissonance bombing: How targeted contradictions are used for manipulation
Cognitive dissonance bombing is a new term in psychology. It describes a sophisticated manipulation technique in which perpetrators systematically and frequently send contradictory messages in order to mentally paralyse their victims. Unlike classic gaslighting or isolated paradoxical communication situations, this involves a constant barrage of contradictions designed to overload the victim's thinking and render them incapable of action. This process can lead to narcissistic abuse, which aims to gain control over the victim.
While many people are familiar with terms such as gaslighting, this specific form of manipulation through constant contradictions is less well known, although it is widespread in toxic relationships, in the workplace and even in politics.
What it's all about:
· what lies behind this phenomenon,
· what you can do to protect yourself, and
· how to distinguish truth from deception.
What exactly is cognitive dissonance bombing?
Cognitive dissonance bombing refers to a form of targeted manipulation in which deliberately contradictory information, instructions or messages are sent at high frequency. The goal: to paralyse the victim's thinking and render them incapable of action. In contrast to normal cognitive dissonance, the unpleasant feeling when one's own beliefs or actions do not match, this is a deliberate attack on a person's mental stability.
The technique exploits a fundamental characteristic of our brain: we constantly try to resolve contradictions and establish consistency. This is an evolutionarily useful mechanism that normally helps us to find our way in the world. Cognitive dissonance is a mental discomfort that arises from contradictory thoughts. When we are constantly bombarded with new, contradictory information, our brain cannot resolve this discomfort. This results in a state of chronic cognitive overload.
The insidious thing about it is that those affected experience profound insecurity and mental exhaustion, combined with a feeling of self-blame. They think, "If only I paid more attention, I could understand what's going on." But that's exactly the trap: there's nothing to understand, because the contradictions are deliberately created and cannot be resolved. This form of abuse causes long-term psychological damage.
How does this differ from gaslighting?
Many people are familiar with gaslighting: the manipulator denies events, saying "You're imagining things" or "That never happened". The aim is to make the victim doubt their own memory and perception. The past is rewritten and the victim's perception of reality is systematically questioned.
Cognitive dissonance bombing works differently and is, in a way, even more insidious. Here, events are not denied, but contradictions are actively created in the present. An example: in the morning, your partner raves about how wonderfully independent you are. At lunchtime, she accuses you of never involving her in decisions. In the evening, she praises your independence again. All three statements are made with equal conviction, with no apparent reason for the change. This type of manipulation is confusing.
The crucial difference: gaslighting manipulates the past ("That never happened"), while cognitive dissonance bombing makes the present incomprehensible. Both techniques can occur in combination and reinforce each other until they become a devastating cocktail. While gaslighting attacks your memory, persistent cognitive dissonance bombing destroys your ability to assess the current situation and make decisions. It can fundamentally shake your perception of reality.
What is the difference between this and double bind?
The double bind theory was developed by anthropologist and psychologist Gregory Bateson. It describes situations in which someone receives two contradictory messages on different levels. A classic example: a father says, "Come here, I love you" (words), but at the same time rejects the child through his body language (stiff posture, averted gaze). No matter how the child reacts, it is wrong.
The double bind is typically a recurring communication pattern in dysfunctional relationships. Cognitive dissonance bombing goes further: it is not a single pattern, but a constant barrage of ever-changing, contradictory messages on all levels. It is like the difference between a recurring nightmare and constant bombardment. This dissonance is maintained permanently.
Another important difference: double binds can also arise unintentionally, for example when parents themselves have mental health problems and do not realise how contradictory their communication is. Cognitive dissonance bombing, on the other hand, is a deliberate manipulation technique. Perpetrators use it specifically to exercise control, demonstrate power or keep the victim dependent. To do this, they use the system of contradictory messages.
What does this look like in relationships?
Cognitive dissonance bombing is particularly evident in toxic relationships. The manipulator constantly sends contradictory signals: intense declarations of love alternate with icy indifference, effusive praise with scathing criticism, often within a matter of hours or even minutes. You can no longer assess where you stand. Cognitive dissonance and emotional abuse go hand in hand here.
A typical example: in the morning at breakfast, you hear, "You are the most important person in my life, I couldn't be without you." You feel loved and secure. In the evening, you hear: "You're really annoying me, I need some space, you're too clingy." Completely distraught, you ask: "What happened? What did I do wrong?" The answer: "Nothing. Both are true. You just don't understand me." This manipulation aims to wear down your beliefs and actions.
Constant unpredictability leads to chronic stress. You analyse your every action: What did I do between morning and evening? How can I prevent the mood from changing again? The truth is: it's not your fault, so there's nothing you can do about it. But that's exactly what's so hard to recognise when you're in the middle of it. The relationship becomes a source of constant insecurity.
How does this manipulation manifest itself in the workplace?
In a professional context, cognitive dissonance bombing is often less obvious, but no less destructive. A classic example: a supervisor asks you to be more independent and make decisions on your own. You do exactly that and are criticised for not having "discussed" something. The next time, you ask beforehand and are told, "You are too dependent, I can't hold your hand every step of the way." This form of manipulation is difficult to see through.
The technique is usually used to demonstrate power. People who are insecure are easier to control. They work tirelessly and waste all their remaining energy trying to figure out what is "right" instead of defending themselves against unfair treatment. The result: burnout, resignation and, in the worst case, a loss of confidence in their own professional competence. The negative consequences are considerable.
It becomes particularly toxic at the organisational level. A company preaches work-life balance in its values, but expects constant availability and overtime. Teamwork and cooperation are required, but only individual performance is measured and rewarded. These structural contradictions create a culture of confusion in which no one knows which rules to follow. This results in a toxic working environment.
Is this technique also used in politics?
-dissonance bombing can also be observed in politics and public communication. Politicians make statements that fundamentally contradict each other: massive savings are demanded, along with large investment promises. Both positions are represented with equal conviction, without even mentioning the obvious contradiction. This approach corresponds to an insidious, deliberate strategy.
The strategic goal is to paralyse critical thinking. When citizens are constantly bombarded with contradictory information, many eventually give up trying to find out the truth altogether. This mental surrender leads either to political apathy ("Nothing matters anyway") or blind allegiance ("I just believe what my side says"), both of which are useful for authoritarian structures. Cognitive dissonance becomes a political tool.
This technique is used systematically in disinformation campaigns: different, contradictory narratives are spread simultaneously. The goal is not to establish a specific lie, but to create a climate of total confusion. When people no longer know what information they can trust, they increasingly rely on emotional rather than rational responses, which makes them even more susceptible to manipulation.
What are the long-term psychological consequences of this?
Constant cognitive overload chronically activates the body's stress system. Our brain interprets the irresolvable contradictions as a threat and puts the entire organism on permanent alert. The consequences are measurable: increased cortisol levels, sleep disorders, chronic exhaustion. In the long term, many of those affected develop anxiety disorders or depression. The long-term damage is considerable.
Particularly serious is the loss of confidence in one's own perception. Anyone who experiences their own assessments as seemingly "wrong" for months or years (because the external signals are constantly changing) begins to fundamentally doubt their own judgement. Some sufferers describe dissociative states, moments in which they feel detached from reality, as if in a fog. This is brain fog.
Isolation exacerbates the problem. Those affected withdraw because they cannot explain what is happening in their relationship or at work. The situation is so confusing that they themselves cannot put it into words. Outsiders often do not understand: "Why don't you just leave?" What they do not see is that cognitive paralysis is a direct result of manipulation, not a character flaw or weakness on the part of the victim. Understanding this dynamic is crucial.
How can you recognise cognitive dissonance bombing?
The most important sign is a repetitive pattern of contradictions in a particular person or setting. If you constantly feel like you can never do anything right because the rules are constantly changing, take a closer look. Is this a one-off or does it happen regularly? Is there a pattern? Understanding is the key to overcoming it.
Your own emotional reaction is another important indicator. Do you constantly feel confused and exhausted because you are trying to understand things that simply do not make sense? Do you feel like you are 'going crazy'? You should take these subjective experiences seriously. A practical tip: keep a diary. Write down what was said specifically and when. Records will help you recognise the pattern. To protect yourself, you need to record the facts.
Also pay attention to how the other person reacts when you point out contradictions. Manipulators typically respond with distraction, anger or further confusion tactics. You will be accused of being oversensitive, not remembering correctly or deliberately dramatising. These defensive reactions are themselves part of the manipulation strategy and a clear warning sign. Reality is distorted.
How can you protect yourself?
Question information critically. Do not rely solely on one source as "proof of reality". Cultivate relationships with people who give you reliable feedback. A stable social network will alert you if someone is trying to distort your reality. This is one way to protect yourself.
Setting boundaries is fundamental, but often difficult. If conversations regularly become confusing or contradictory, you have the right to protect yourself. Practical measures: Limit contact times. Insist on written communication that you can document? Or withdraw completely if the situation becomes unbearable? You don't have to endure every interaction.
Professional help is often necessary, especially if you have been exposed to this form of manipulation for a long time. Psychotherapy helps you to recognise distorted thought patterns and to stabilise your perception again. Do not be afraid to seek support; the consequences of chronic cognitive dissonance bombing are real and require treatment.
How do you recover from the consequences?
The first step is recognition: you have been subjected to deliberate psychological manipulation. Many victims blame themselves and think they should have 'thought more clearly' or 'been stronger'. This self-blame is part of the damage. The truth is: you have been subjected to a sophisticated attack technique. This says nothing about your intelligence, strength or value.
Rebuilding your own reality is essential. Work on trusting your perceptions again, ideally with therapeutic support. What values are important to you? What do you know for sure about yourself? What are the objective facts in your life? These basics create a stable foundation. Self-awareness also helps you to regain confidence in your perceptions in the here and now.
Be patient with yourself. The consequences of long-term cognitive dissonance bombing cannot be easily reversed. Phases of anger, sadness and confusion are normal. Do not expect cognitive clarity overnight. Every moment you trust your perception, every boundary you set, is progress. Change takes time and self-compassion.
The most important points summarised
• Cognitive dissonance bombing is a targeted manipulation technique in which contradictory messages are sent continuously to paralyse the victim's ability to think.
• Unlike gaslighting, which rewrites the past, this technique makes the present unpredictable and confusing
• Unlike double bind (a single paradoxical situation), it is a continuous attack with constantly new contradictions.
• In relationships, the manipulation manifests itself in rapidly changing moods, assessments and messages for no apparent reason
• At work, technology manifests itself in contradictory instructions, leading to burnout and the feeling of never being able to do anything right
• Psychological consequences include chronic stress, exhaustion, anxiety disorders, depression and a loss of confidence in one's own perception
• Signs to look out for: repeated contradictions, constant confusion, inability to predict what will happen next
• Protection: maintain a social network, document situations, set clear boundaries, seek professional help
• Recording specific situations helps to objectively recognise manipulative patterns and avoid self-doubt
• The way out takes time, often therapeutic support and the patient rebuilding of a stable self-perception
Frequently asked questions about cognitive dissonance bombing
What is the main cause of cognitive dissonance?
The main cause of cognitive dissonance is the conflict between two contradictory beliefs, values or between belief and action. Our brain strives for consistency. When we act against our own values or have to process contradictory information at the same time, an unpleasant feeling of tension arises. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological reaction to contradictions.
In normal circumstances, this is a healthy mechanism: for example, if you value environmental protection but drive to work, dissonance arises. You can resolve this by changing your behaviour (cycling) or adjusting your belief ("There's no other way in the countryside"). It only becomes problematic when other people deliberately and continuously create this dissonance in order to manipulate you.
Cognitive dissonance bombing occurs when someone systematically sends others contradictory messages. You cannot resolve the contradiction because its source is beyond your control and the contradictions are perpetuated. According to psychological research, this is a form of deliberate abuse.
How can I recognise persistent cognitive dissonance in others?
When experiencing persistent cognitive dissonance, those affected often appear confused, brood a lot and try desperately to reconcile contradictory information. They often justify things that cannot be justified objectively or defend people who are obviously harming them. Their sense of reality is impaired.
Other signs include: those affected frequently change their minds, appear uncertain in their decisions, and constantly doubt themselves. They make statements such as "On the one hand ... but on the other hand ..." without coming to a clear conclusion. Particularly noticeable is often the attempt to explain away obvious contradictions: "Yes, I am being treated badly, but it is not meant that way" or "The working conditions are terrible, but I am lucky to have a job at all." Their beliefs and behaviour do not match.
Victims of cognitive dissonance bombing also often experience chronic exhaustion, concentration problems and increasing social isolation. They appear to be under enormous internal pressure, but often cannot say exactly what the problem is. In cases of severe abuse, this can lead to serious psychological problems.
What happens in the brain during cognitive dissonance?
During cognitive dissonance, several regions of the brain are activated, in particular the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which is responsible for error detection and conflict monitoring. Imaging studies show that when we process contradictory information, this region works at full speed.
At the same time, the reinforcement system is activated. Our brain actively tries to resolve the dissonance and confirms with dopamine when it succeeds. That is why justifying a contradictory action feels good for a short time; the brain is relieved to have "resolved" the conflict, even if the solution is irrational. A kind of addiction to this type of "confirmation" can develop.
With cognitive dissonance bombing, the brain remains in a state of constant stress. The amygdala (fear centre) becomes overactive, while the frontal cortex (the seat of rational thinking) is slowed down. In the long term, this can even lead to permanent changes: stress hormone regulation is disrupted, memory functions suffer, and emotional regulation abilities decline.
Why do some people switch off when they are stressed?
Suddenly 'switching off' when overwhelmed is a natural protective reaction of the nervous system, known as brain fog, 'shutdown' or 'freeze'. When neither fight nor flight seems possible, the body shuts down all systems. This corresponds to "playing dead," an ancient evolutionary survival strategy against predators. In these moments, the dissonance is suppressed from consciousness.
In people who experience cognitive dissonance bombing, this shutdown often occurs when the brain can no longer process the constant cognitive overload. The contradictions are irresolvable, no matter how hard one tries. At some point, the system simply gives up. Those affected describe states such as "fog in the head," "dizziness" or "emotional numbness." The mind surrenders and the protective mechanism takes over.
This dissociation is not a conscious decision, but an automatic protective reaction. It becomes problematic when this state becomes chronic. People in manipulative relationships often report that they literally "drift away" when contradictory messages come in; their brain protects itself by disconnecting, but this makes them even more vulnerable. In order to maintain what remains of its functionality, the body shuts down.
What does cognitive dissonance look like in a relationship?
In a relationship, cognitive dissonance typically manifests itself as follows: you love your partner and believe that they love you too (belief A), but you regularly experience behaviour that is unloving, hurtful or disrespectful (experience B). This contradiction creates enormous inner stress. To resolve the dissonance, many justify the harmful behaviour: "She had a stressful day" or "I wasn't perfect either." Abuse is often difficult to acknowledge.
In cognitive dissonance bombing in relationships, this dissonance is systematically reinforced. The other person is sometimes extremely loving, sometimes extremely cold, with no discernible pattern. You think, "The bad moments are just slip-ups." In reality, both extremes are part of the manipulation strategy. There is no sense of stability.
Other typical examples: Your partner insists that you are the most important thing to them, but is never available when you need them. They say they want honesty, but punish you when you are sincere. They demand trust, but constantly give you reason to distrust them. These permanent contradictions between words and actions paralyse your ability to assess the relationship clearly. Escaping the relationship becomes increasingly difficult.
Is cognitive dissonance a mental illness?
No, cognitive dissonance in itself is a normal psychological state that all people experience occasionally. It is our brain's natural response to contradictions. Healthy people can usually resolve this dissonance on their own by adjusting their behaviour or beliefs. This can even have a constructive effect.
Cognitive dissonance only becomes problematic and potentially harmful when it becomes chronic and is deliberately maintained from outside, as in cognitive dissonance bombing. The permanently unsolvable contradictions then lead to actual mental illnesses: anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or complex trauma disorders. In such cases, professional help is necessary.
One could say that cognitive dissonance is like pain, a signal that something is wrong. Chronic, unbearable pain that is not treated, however, leads to severe impairments. The same is true of chronic cognitive dissonance caused by manipulation. Control is the main goal of the perpetrators.
What are typical signs that you are permanently trapped in cognitive dissonance?
The clearest sign is when you constantly find yourself justifying things that are objectively unacceptable. You repeatedly explain to friends why your partner's behaviour is "not really that bad". You find an excuse for every disappointment. You hear yourself saying, "Yes, but..." and notice how often you downplay contradictions. Your beliefs contradict reality.
Other warning signs: You constantly feel confused or "crazy". You feel like you're walking on eggshells, but you don't know exactly why. You constantly analyse situations to find out what you did "wrong". You feel exhausted for no apparent reason. Your gut feeling tells you that something is wrong, but your head tells you that everything is fine. You are persuaded that your perception could be wrong.
A particularly clear sign: you notice a gap between what you say to the outside world ("Everything is fine") and what you really feel (restlessness, fear, sadness). This gap between façade and inner reality is typical of people who are caught in manipulative situations and suffer from chronic cognitive dissonance. They are no longer in touch with their feelings.
What is a concrete example of cognitive manipulation?
A classic example in the workplace: on Monday, your boss says, "I value employees who show initiative and work independently." You take on a project on your own. On Wednesday, you are yelled at: "How can you decide something like that without asking me? That's disrespectful!" On Friday, he publicly praises your "wonderful initiative" at a meeting. It is impossible for you to do the right thing.
An example from a relationship: for months, your partner criticises you for not taking enough care of your appearance. You invest time and money in a new outfit. His reaction: "Who are you dressing up for now? I prefer you natural. Are you being unfaithful?" You can only lose, no matter what you do.
In both cases, you are systematically given the feeling that you could do the right thing if only you made the "right" choice. The truth is: there is no right choice because the rules are constantly changing. This is precisely what manipulation is: keeping you permanently in the dark and thus making you controllable. Their goal is to make you feel insecure.
How do manipulators react when confronted?
When contradictions are addressed openly, typical defence patterns emerge: denial ("I never said that"), reversal ("You're twisting my words"), attack ("You're far too sensitive/critical/demanding"), distraction (suddenly a completely different topic is brought up) or victim role ("Now you're portraying me as a monster again").
A particularly insidious reaction is the so-called DARVO pattern (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), i.e. the reversal of perpetrator and victim. Suddenly, it is no longer the other person's behaviour that is the problem, but you. You are the aggressor who attacks for no reason. The person you actually wanted to hold accountable now presents themselves as the victim of your "accusations".
It is important to understand that these reactions are not random or emotionally uncontrolled, but often a learned pattern to avoid responsibility. If someone systematically reacts in this way, it is a clear warning sign. A healthy reaction would be: "Oh, I'm sorry, that was contradictory of me. Let's talk about it." The ability to acknowledge and resolve contradictions is a sign of emotional maturity.
How can you help with persistent cognitive dissonance?
If someone close to you is obviously suffering from cognitive dissonance (e.g. trapped in a toxic relationship), you need patience and sensitivity above all else. Direct confrontation ("Your partner is terrible, leave her!") usually leads to withdrawal and defensiveness, which only reinforces the dissonance. Those affected feel threatened by other opinions.
Questions that encourage reflection are more effective: "How do you feel when that happens?" or "What advice would you give to a friend who was going through the same thing?" Help the other person to recognise their own contradictions without judging them. Be a stable anchor , someone who is reliable, in contrast to a chaotic relationship. For your support to be effective, you need to be patient.
Important: You cannot "save" someone who is not yet ready. Be there, even for decisions you cannot understand. Many victims need several attempts to break free from manipulative relationships.
How can cognitive dissonance be resolved?
The first step in resolving cognitive dissonance is to recognise it in the first place. Become aware: "I have two conflicting beliefs here at the same time." Name them specifically. For example:
· "I believe my partner respects me."
· "My partner regularly ignores my boundaries."
Simply naming them clearly creates more clarity. Naming something is the first step.
The second step: get an unbiased outside perspective. Talk to trusted friends, family members or a therapist. Sometimes it takes an outside mirror to break through your own patterns of justification. Ask: "What would you think if someone told you this story?" The answers can be sobering.
The third and often most difficult step: Accept unpleasant truths and draw conclusions. In the case of cognitive dissonance caused by your own behaviour, this often means changing your behaviour. In the case of dissonance caused by external factors (such as cognitive dissonance bombing), it usually means leaving the toxic situation. This can mean ending a relationship, changing jobs or setting clear boundaries. This step takes courage, but it is the only way out of covert manipulation.
Self-test: Am I exposed to cognitive dissonance bombing?
This self-test will help you assess whether you may be exposed to systematic cognitive dissonance bombing. Answer the following questions as honestly as possible. This is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a personal reflection.
Rating scale:
· Never = 0 points
· Rarely = 1 point
· Sometimes = 2 points
· Often = 3 points
· Very often/Constantly = 4 points
Part 1: Contradictory messages
1. Do you find that a certain person gives you contradictory instructions or expectations (e.g. "Be more independent" and at the same time "Why don't you ask?")?
2. Does this person's assessment of your behaviour change for no apparent reason (praised today, criticised tomorrow for the same thing)?
3. Does the other person say one thing but regularly do the exact opposite?
4. Does the relationship switch extremely quickly between loving/appreciative and cold/rejecting without you understanding what has changed?
5. Do you receive contradictory messages at the same time (e.g. "I love you" with a dismissive tone of voice or body language)?
Part 2: Your emotional response
6. Do you feel confused or disoriented after interactions?
7. Do you feel like you are "going crazy" or doubt your perception?
8. Do you feel mentally exhausted, even when nothing dramatic has happened?
9. Do you experience "brain fog" or difficulty thinking clearly when dealing with this person?
10. Do you feel anxious or tense when you cannot predict how the other person will react next?
Part 3: Your behaviour and thought patterns
11. Do you constantly analyse your own actions to find out what you did "wrong"?
12. Do you regularly justify the other person's contradictory behaviour to yourself or to others?
13. Have you stopped trusting your own assessment of situations?
14. Do you avoid addressing contradictions because you know it will lead to conflict or further confusion?
15. Do you feel unable to make clear decisions about this relationship/situation?
Part 4: Patterns and repetition
16. Do the contradictory messages repeat themselves in a recognisable pattern over weeks or months?
17. When you address contradictions, does the other person respond with denial, anger, distraction, or make YOU the problem?
18. Do you feel that you can never 'do it right', no matter what you do?
19. Is there a contrast between how they behave in public (charming, reasonable) and in private with you?
20. Do you feel increasingly isolated because others do not understand the situation?
Part 5: Long-term consequences
21. Do you have sleep problems related to this relationship/situation?
22. Do you experience physical symptoms of stress (headaches, stomach problems, tension) more often than before?
23. Have you withdrawn socially or do you find it difficult to explain the situation to others?
24. Do you fundamentally doubt your ability to assess situations or people correctly?
25. Do you feel emotionally numb or as if you are constantly overwhelmed?
Evaluation
Add up your total score:
0–20 points: Low risk
You experience normal interpersonal tensions or occasional misunderstandings. Cognitive dissonance bombing is probably not an issue. Pay attention to your well-being and set clear boundaries where necessary.
21–40 points: Moderate risk
You repeatedly experience confusing or contradictory situations that cause you stress. These could be unhealthy communication patterns.
Recommendation:
· Start documenting specific situations (date, what was said/done)
· Get an outside perspective from trusted friends or family
· Set clear boundaries and observe how the other person reacts
· Consider a clarifying conversation or professional support
41–60 points: Increased risk
You show clear signs that you are being systematically manipulated through contradictory messages. The emotional and cognitive strain is considerable.
Recommendation:
· Take your perceptions seriously; you are not imagining things
· Document specific incidents in writing
· Seek support from trustworthy people outside the situation
· Urgently consider professional help (psychotherapy, counselling).
· Check whether you have the opportunity to distance yourself from this
61–100 points: High risk
You are highly likely to be exposed to systematic cognitive dissonance bombing. The effects on your mental health and quality of life are serious.
Urgent recommendation:
· Seek professional help from a psychotherapist or counselling centre as soon as possible.
· Your perception is valid; the confusion is a result of manipulation, not your "weakness".
· Develop a plan for how you can extricate yourself from the situation or protect yourself
· Activate your social support network
· Find out about your rights and options (at work: works council; in relationships: counselling centres)
· Your health and safety are the absolute priority
Important information
This test is not a substitute for professional diagnosis. It is intended solely for your personal reflection and guidance.
If you have scored highly:
· You are not to blame for the situation.
· Confusion and exhaustion are normal reactions to abnormal circumstances.
· A way out is possible, but professional support is often needed.
· It is courageous to face reality and seek help.
Helpful places to turn to:
· Psychotherapy practices specialising in trauma/relationship violence
· Counselling centres for victims of psychological violence
· Telephone counselling: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 (free of charge, 24 hours a day)
· Online counselling from counselling centres
An important thought to conclude with: if, while completing this test, you thought, "Perhaps I am exaggerating" or "It's not that bad," this is already a sign that your perception has been systematically questioned. Trust your gut feeling. If something seems wrong, it usually is. To gain control over your life, you must first regain your perception.